Greater Miami Jewish Federation Pacesetter Event


Pacesetter Event Chairs
Rebecca and Arnaud Karsenti
Nearly 500 of Miami’s most generous Jewish philanthropists gathered for a meaningful program at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation Pacesetter Event at the Hilton Miami Downtown.
Chaired by Arnaud and Rebecca Karsenti, the event raised more than $1.8 million dollars for the Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign to care for those in need, support vital programs and strengthen Jewish life in Miami, in Israel and in more than 70 other countries around the world. The evening featured remarks from a number of community leaders, including Federation Board Chair Jeffrey Scheck and Federation General Campaign Chair Isaac K. “Ike” Fisher. In his speech, Fisher discussed the rising tide of anti-Semitism both within the United States and around the world, and the important role Federation plays on the local, national and international stage.
Best-selling Israeli author and teacher Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar delivered the keynote address, exploring the science behind happiness and the benefits of positive psychology. The attendees also enjoyed the energetic performance of Queens College Hillel’s a cappella group Tizmoret, as they sang both Hebrew and English songs and delivered a rousing rendition of “Lean on Me.” Israeli singer Einat Sarouf added to the night’s entertainment with a surprise performance.
Federation gratefully acknowledges its 2018-2019 Proud Business Partners for their generous support. Platinum Sponsors are Bilzin Sumberg, Attorneys at Law; The Collection; Greenberg Traurig, P.A.; LSN Partners and Llorente & Heckler; The Laquer Foundation and The Miami Herald. Gold Sponsors are Addison House; Akerman; City National Bank; Crystal & Company; Kaufman Rossin; Kent Security Services and Sapoznik Insurance & Associates. Silver Sponsors are Meland Russin & Budwick, P.A. and NFP, The Meltzer Group. Bronze Sponsors are Carlton Fields; Houlihan Lokey; Iberia Bank; J.P. Morgan; MBAF; Omnia Family Wealth and Wells Fargo. Pearl Sponsors are Apollo Bank; Dacra; H & CO; Northern Trust Bank of Florida, N.A.; Perry Ellis International; Podhurst Orseck, P.A. and Seigfried & Rivera.
For more information about the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, please visit JewishMiami.org or call 305.576.4000.
Chair of the Board Jeffrey Scheck, Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, Arnaud Karsenti and General Campaign Chair Isaac K. "Ike" Fisher
Steven Foldes and Steven Brodie
Immediate Past Chair of the Board Amy N. Dean, Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar and Alan Kluger
Past Federation Board Chair Barbara Black Goldfarb and Hedy Whitebook
Past Federation Board Chair Ezra Katz, Tati Katz and Ruth Shere
Tammy Woldenberg, Adrienne Scheck and Daniel Whitebook
Nadine and Sidney Pertnoy
Robert and Mojdeh Danial
Amanda and Matthew Adler
David and Lily Serviansky
Yael Ackerman, Gavin Beekman and Joe Ackerman
Gil Bonwitt, Robert Danial and Jorge Woldenberg
Past Federation Board Chair William Lehman with Alyne and Abbey Kaplan
Judy and Michael Adler, Federation Past President
Patty and Louis Gurkin
Amy and Howard Chafetz
Mark and Belinda Gilbert
Ronald and Elise Udelson
Michael Comras and Daniela Swaebe
Einat Sarouf, Orly Alexander, Rosi Behar and Clarita Kassin
Jeffrey and Selma Newman
George Feldenkreis and Melvyn Drucker
Regina and Daniel Zelonker
David and Sydney Schaecter with Craig Storch
Zelda Zarco and Robert Zarco
Ellen Rose, Michelle Danoff Merlin and Terri Bachow
Michael and Carolynn Friedman, Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, Elizabeth Green and Hugh Bernstein
Pedro and Barbara Bermann